based primarily on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based primarily on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use it to indicate that something is supported by a main source of information or evidence. For example, "This opinion is based primarily on the data obtained from the 2019 survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The available research is based primarily on the one question--does this technique raise test scores.

Forbes

Grading based primarily on student projects.

Stanford University

Teams were grouped based primarily on geographic proximity.

The New York Times - Sports

Compensation shouldn't be based primarily on seniority but on performance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Productivity (based primarily on improvements in technology) is way up.

The New York Times

The skeletal diagram is based primarily on STM-0-118 STM-0-118 STM-0-118

Nature

The CIJA's findings are based primarily on captured documentary evidence.

The Guardian

Tax credits would be based primarily on age.

The Washington Post

Industry is based primarily on food processing and shipbuilding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The methodology is based primarily on two algorithms.

Construction and Building Materials

However, the literature is based primarily on urban (white) samples.

PAIN

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based primarily on", ensure the primary source or factor is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "based primarily on" when multiple factors contribute significantly. Instead, use a phrase like "influenced by" or "dependent on" to acknowledge other contributing elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based primarily on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the main foundation or reason for something. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in specifying the basis for decisions, analyses, or classifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "based primarily on" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is mainly supported or determined by a particular factor. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the primary source or factor is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "mainly based on" or "largely dependent on" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. Avoid using the phrase when multiple factors contribute significantly. Overall, "based primarily on" is a reliable and versatile phrase for specifying the main basis or foundation of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly based on

Emphasizes the main element of the foundation, similar to the primary focus.

largely dependent on

Focuses on the reliance or dependence on something else.

primarily reliant on

Highlights the reliance aspect, similar to 'dependent' but with a focus on primary dependence.

chiefly determined by

Indicates that something is mainly decided or influenced by a specific factor.

mostly predicated on

Suggests the foundation or basis is largely on something else.

principally grounded in

Emphasizes the fundamental basis or foundation.

substantially influenced by

Highlights the significant impact of a particular factor.

significantly reliant upon

Focuses on considerable reliance with a formal tone.

heavily informed by

Implies that something is greatly influenced or shaped by specific information or knowledge.

considerably hinged on

Indicates that something significantly depends or turns on a specific element.

FAQs

How can I use "based primarily on" in a sentence?

You can use "based primarily on" to indicate that something is mainly supported or determined by a particular factor. For example, "The decision was "based primarily on" the available evidence".

What's a good alternative to "based primarily on"?

Alternatives include "mainly based on", "largely dependent on", or "primarily reliant on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "primarily based on" instead of "based primarily on"?

While "primarily based on" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""based primarily on"" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing. Ludwig's examples confirm the preference for the latter.

What is the difference between "based primarily on" and "influenced by"?

"Based primarily on" suggests a main foundation or reason, while "influenced by" indicates a more general effect or impact without necessarily being the sole determinant. Use ""based primarily on"" when one factor is clearly dominant.